Welcome to The Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, The Spine Team!

Our Mission

The mission of the Spinal Cord Injury Laboratory is to combine novel bioengineering methods with stem cell derivatives in order to develop a clinically relevant spinal cord injury therapy model. We use oligodendrocyte precursors derived from pluripotent human stem cells and study their effect in repairing contused spinal cord tissue in
conjunction with acute hypothermia. The mechanism and extent of repair are studied in great detail using cutting edge tools such as electrophysiology, DT-MRI, electron microscopy and bioluminescence imaging.

Our Focus

The focus of our translational research is the use of oligodendrocyte precursor cells derived from either human embryonic stem cells (hESC) or induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells for application in a rodent model of contusive spinal cord injury. We combine cell replacement therapy with acute hypothermia therapy, which has been demonstrated to have a neuroprotective effect and which limits the secondary phase of spinal cord injury.

About Our Lab

We utilize a variety of bio-engineering assessment technologies, such as DT-MRI and other imaging techniques, to monitor anatomical changes in the injured spinal cord architecture at various time points following treatment. These images allow us to identify spared fibers, track the extent of secondary injury and determine the therapeutic
benefits of the therapy. Bioluminescence imaging (BLI) is also used to monitor the survival, integration, migration and tumorigenic potential of transplanted stem cells within the spinal cord parenchyma.

We also perform monitoring, recording and quantitative analyses of multi-channel somatosensory and motor evoked potentials to assess the electrical conductivity in the central nervous system at various stages, both pre- and post-therapy. This is a very significant feature of our bioengineering laboratory which enables us to demonstrate
functional improvement related to both acute and chronic treatment procedures in a reliable and objective manner. In addition to validating the extent and progress of injury, our focus lies in determining long-term functional recovery within the axonal pathways.
The focus of our biomedical engineering team is to use stem cell-based therapies in addition to novel technologies and quantitative methods, such as evoked potentials and imaging, to establish a clinically relevant spinal cord injury model of treatment.

Ultimately, our spinal cord research team plans to develop and combine acute and chronic therapeutic strategies in a clinically relevant model of injury for scientists as well as clinicians (bench-to-bedside).

Electrophysiology: MEPs

Derivation of Oligodendrocytes from iPS Cells

Using induced pluripotent stem cells that are derived simply from adult fibrobasts, we can derive the myelin producing cell of the central nervous system, oligodendrocytes, with the aim of remyelinating the many spared fibers that remain intact after spinal cord injury.